'Most time management advice rests on the unspoken assumption that it's possible to win the game: to find a slot for everything that matters. But if the game's designed to be unwinnable,' Oliver Burkeman says, 'you can permit yourself to stop trying'

Guy Browning: Humans now live about twice as long as they need to successfully procreate. This leaves a huge amount of time to waste either before or after procreation. Not surprisingly, time waste management has become big business and is known as the leisure industry.

Technology companies always claim their latest gadget will save us time and money. But traditionalists remain unimpressed, arguing that the Filofax is still the most effective time management tool. Neil McIntosh reports.

Far from witnessing the emergence of the family-friendly working environment, most UK employees are struggling to find enough hours in the day to have any quality time with their families. Enabling individuals to balance their working and personal lives is finally being recognised as a critical management issue.

It sounds like common sense: if you can learn to manage your time better, you will feel more in control of your work and be much less stressed. Your boss will be pleased to note that you have also become considerably more productive.